We had a very entertaining walk yesterday — 42 species in all. The highlight for many was a pair of Nelson’s Sparrows that popped up from under the Spartina every once in a while.

When we went back after the walk to try to photograph them (and a Sora that Ray Duffy reported), we struck out — but the Osprey above was nice to fly overhead close enough to show how it holds a small fish in its talons.

Full list follows. Thanks to all who participated!Meadowlands IBA–Mill Creek Marsh, Hudson, US-NJ Oct 6, 2013 10:00 AM – 12:10 PMProtocol: Traveling1.2 mile(s)
Comments:     Nelson’s Sparrow found by Ray Duffy
42 species (+1 other taxa)

Canada Goose  X

Gadwall  X

Mallard  X

Northern Shoveler  X

Green-winged Teal  X

Double-crested Cormorant  X

Great Blue Heron  X

Snowy Egret  X

Osprey  X

Greater Yellowlegs  X

Lesser Yellowlegs  X

Ring-billed Gull  X

Herring Gull  X

Rock Pigeon  X

Mourning Dove  X

Red-bellied Woodpecker  X

Downy Woodpecker  X

Northern Flicker  X

Peregrine Falcon  X

Blue Jay  X

crow sp.  X

Black-capped Chickadee  X

Marsh Wren  X

Carolina Wren  X

American Robin  X

Gray Catbird  X

Northern Mockingbird  X

European Starling  X

Common Yellowthroat  X

Blackpoll Warbler  X

Yellow-rumped Warbler  X

Field Sparrow  X

Savannah Sparrow  X

Nelson’s Sparrow  2     Good looks — thanks to Ray Duffy

Song Sparrow  X

White-throated Sparrow  X

White-crowned Sparrow  X

Dark-eyed Junco  X

Northern Cardinal  X

Red-winged Blackbird  X

Common Grackle  X

American Goldfinch  X

House Sparrow  X